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The SH-60B "Seahawk" is a single main rotor, twin-engine helicopter, manufactured by the United Technologies Corporation, Sikorsky Aircraft Division. The helicopter has a 20 degree tractor-type canted tail rotor, a controllable stabilator,
conventional fixed landing gear, an external cargo hook, a rescue hoist, and bomb racks for carrying and launching external stores. In addition, it is equipped with a flight-rated auxiliary power unit, a sonobuoy-launch system, an anti-ice system, a fire-extinguishing system, an environmental control system, an automatic flight control system (AFCS), a single-point pressure refueling system, a helicopter in-flight refueling (HIFR) system, and the necessary avionics and instrumentation for instrument flight and mission accomplishment. The helicopter design is compatible with ships equipped with a recovery, assist, securing and traversing (RAST) system, and the main rotor blades and tail pylon can be folded for storage. In addition, the helicopter can operate on non-RAST equipped combatants and a variety of other naval ships.
The SH-60B is designed to operate as an integral fighting unit aboard specifically configured OLIVER HAZARD PERRY (FFG
7) class Guided Missile Frigates, ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) class Guided
Missile Destroyers and TICONDEROGA (CG 47) class Guided Missile Cruisers.
What makes the SH-60B different from other helicopters (such as the Army's
BLACKHAWK) is its capability to fully integrate with LAMPS capable warships.
The Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) is part of a complete weapon system.
Features:
The SH-60B has a large suite of electronic sensors including radar, electronic support measures (ESM), forward looking infrared (FLIR), and passive/active underwater acoustic devices (sonobouys). All of this equipment is networked into a centralized tactical computer allowing the aircraft to act as a distant and elevated platform for sensors, remote classification/detection, and weapon delivery. All of the information gathered by aircraft sensors are passed back to the ship via a high speed digital radio signal. Personnel located in the ship's Combat Information Center (CIC) can not only view the "downlinked" information in real time, but can also control many of the helicopter's systems remotely. This system extends the ship's sensor, tactical control and attack capabilities while minimizing the risk of counterattack or detection by an enemy.
SH-60B Aircraft prior to BUNO 162349 are capable of the antiship surveillance and targeting (ASST) and ASW roles only. Effective with BUNO 162349 and subsequent, LAMPS MK III are equipped to employ the AGM-114B/K Hellfire missile, giving the Seahawk a potent surface strike capability. When used in an ASUW mission, the aircraft provides a mobile, elevated platform for observing, identifying, and localizing threat platforms beyond the parent ship's radar and/or electronic support measure (ESM) horizon. When a suspected threat is detected, classification and targeting data is provided to the parent ship via the datalink
for surface-to-surface weapon engagement. The Global Positioning System
(GPS) has also become standard equipment on most SH-60Bs. LAMPS MK III
Seahawks already carry and utilize night vision goggles.
There are two data link antennas--one forward and one aft on the underside of the aircraft. The APS-124 search radar antenna is also located on the underside of the aircraft. Other antennas (UHF/VHF, HF, radar altimeter, TACAN, ESM, sonobuoy receivers, doppler, ADF, IFF, and GPS) are located at various points on the helicopter.
The left inboard, left outboard, and right weapon pylons accommodate BRU-14/A weapon/stores racks. Fittings for torpedo parachute release lanyards are located on the fuselage aft of each weapon pylon. Effective on BUNO 162349 and subsequent, the left and right inboard pylons have wiring and tubing provisions for auxiliary fuel tanks. All pylons have wiring provisions to accommodate the MK 50 torpedo. The left outboard weapon pylon can accommodate a missile launch assembly (MLA) which is used to mount the AGM-114B/K Hellfire air-to-surface missile launcher.
The magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) towed body and reeling machine are mounted on a faired structure that extends from the forward tail-cone transition section on the right side of the aircraft. It is positioned above and aft of the right weapon pylon. The sonobuoy launcher is located on the left side of the aircraft above the left weapon pylon. The sonobuoy launcher is loaded from ground level outside the aircraft. Sonobuoys are pneumatically launched laterally to the left of the aircraft.
The airborne RAST system main probe and external cargo hook are on the bottom fuselage centerline, just aft of the main rotor center line. Fuel service connections, for both gravity and pressure refueling, are located on the left side of the aircraft aft of the weapon pylons. Dual-engine water wash is manifolded from a single-point selector valve connector on the left side of the aircraft above the sensor operator's (SO) window.
The long strokes of both main and tail wheel oleos are designed to dissipate high-sink-rate landing energy. Axle and high-point tie downs are provided at each main gear. Fuselage attachments are provided above the tail gear for connection to the RAST tail-guide winch system allowing aircraft maneuvering and straightening aboard ship and for tail pylon tie down.
Hinged doors on each side of the cockpit provide normal access to and from that station. A sliding door on the right side of the fuselage provides access to and from the cabin.
The sensor operator's (SO) console is located in the cabin, as well as provisions for a removable instructor/passenger seat, a passenger seat, and a litter. The ATO station is located on the left side of the aircraft cockpit. It is equipped with, or offers access to, a full complement of aircraft flight controls and instruments.
The overhead console, located above the pilot and ATO stations, contains aircraft system control panels involving circuit breakers, console/instrument light controls, external light controls, fire-extinguisher controls, engine controls, and several miscellaneous controls. The lower console is located in the cockpit between the pilot and ATO stations. It contains the ATO avionics, AFCS, and communications controls. The lower console is accessible by either the ATO or the pilot. The ATO's keyset is located on the lower console. The multipurpose display (MPD) is located on the instrument panel between the ATO flight instrument panel and a caution/advisory panel. The collective on the ATO's side telescopes to allow improved cockpit ingress and egress. In addition, locations are provided in the cabin for two fire extinguishers, two first aid kits, two canteens, a relief bag container, a crash axe, a map case, and a back-up messenger kit.
The cabin is arranged with the SO station on the left, facing forward. Most of the components of the avionics system are physically located in the SO console rack, situated aft of the ATO's seat, and in the mission avionics rack (MAR), situated aft of the pilot's seat. The SO console contains the necessary controls and indicators for the SO to perform the missions of antisurface warfare (ASUW) and antisubmarine warfare (ASW). To the right of the SO station seat is a seat which accommodates an instructor or, if desired, an additional passenger. The primary passenger seat is on the aft cabin bulkhead, located on the right side. The hoist controls and hover-trim panel are located adjacent to the cabin door. The cargo hook hatch is located forward of the RAST probe housing.
The Engines:
The helicopter is equipped with two T700-GE-401C engines. The T700-GE-401C is a front-drive turboshaft engine, manufactured by the General Electric Company, Aircraft Engine Group. Some of the features of the engine include an integral inlet particle separator and self-contained systems incorporating modular construction. At sea level and 59'F (15'C), the T700-GE-401C shaft horsepower ratings are:
Contingency: 2-1/2 Min. duration..............1940
Intermediate: 30 Min duration...................1800
Max Continuous: No Limit..........................1662
| Characteristics |
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Dimensions |
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| Maximum Gross Weight: |
21,700 lbs |
Operating Length: |
64 ft 10 in |
| Engines: |
(2) T700-GE-401C |
Operating Height: |
17 ft 0 in |
| Mission Endurance: |
3.5 to 4 hours |
Folded Length: |
40 ft 11 in |
| Maximum Speed: |
180 knots |
Folded Width: |
10 ft 7 in |
| Weapons: |
Up to 3 torpedoes |
Main Rotor Diameter: |
53 ft 8 in |
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4 HELLFIRE Missiles |
Tail Rotor Diameter: |
11 ft 0 in |
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M-60/GAU-16 Machine Gun |
Turning radius: |
41 ft 7 in |
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